Garmin South Africa recently announced a new satellite navigation device known as the OVERLANDER. As the name indicates, it is a multipurpose satellite navigation device aimed at the 4×4 market. It is a rugged street navigation unit that can take the knocks. I believe that its large 7 inch screen makes it ideally suited to the recreational market – large enough to see the content, but not big enough to obscure your view of the road. The Overlander was launched on Monday the 16th September 2019 in South Africa. Initially we started with the well-known Garmin GPS V and then moved onto the Garmin Quest but both these device’s limitations were their small screens. In 2009 Garmin launched the Quest the Nuvi 500 which was a favourite in the 4×4 community in its day. Times have changed and technology has advanced. Garmin have brought out other products but none could compete with the Quest and Nuvi 500. Now we have the Overlander and even the name is synonymous with its applications. Before going any further with this review I must state that I do not consider any cellphone or tablet navigation program /app ideally suited for 4x4ing. They are not designed for the off-road lifestyle as they have limitations. For example, when you travel beyond existing infrastructure they become problematic. Some are also limited in terms of inserting waypoints – which is essential in the off-road environment. They are made for street navigation and only street navigation. So, what makes the Overlander more appealing than any other current off-road satellite navigation device (other than the Garmin GPS MAP 276 Cx which can be rather costly when all the extras are added) For me, the Overlander’s 7 inch touch screen is a winner for a start. Whilst a touch screen has not always been my preference, this one is nice and convenient. (The 276Cx is not touch screen). The device is built to IPX 5 standards (dust proof) and MIL-STD-810 (a USA Department of Defence test standard). It is a street navigator that is made for the outdoors (4x4ing) that will not break if it falls. Unlike other makes, this device will navigate you to your destination even if there is no mapping information between you and your destination (by using a bearing). This device is able to get GPS, Glonass and Galileo signal – which means that if one system goes down (as recently happened), the device will continue navigating with the satellites from the other two systems. The battery life is quoted as “up to 3 hours” – depending on the backlight usage etc. This is an improvement on most street navigation devices, but limited when comparing to a Montana or GPSMAP 276Cx (which have removal batteries). The standard maps loaded are Europe, Middle East & Africa including Tracks4Africa data. I am not certain if this is a full version of Tracks for Africa, but as I have often said before, travelling into Africa without Tracks4Africa is equivalent to getting lost. The Tracks4Africa mapping is not upgradeable (quote the Garmin helpline). This device is loaded with Topographic maps but I am not sure that these are contours. They are more likely representation lines to indicate relief. There is 64GB of internal memory available for additional mapping but it also has place for a micro SD card for additional memory. This is a massive improvement when comparing it to devices of 15 years ago which only had 243Mb of memory and no place for memory cards. It has the new magnetic tight-fitting Garmin Bracket AND the box includes a compatible RAM ball adapter. Something I have not seen before…. it has Pitch and Roll gauges which add value. The Overlander can pair with the Garmin inReach communicators (sold separately) for two way messaging. A feature that I have never seen before in a Street Navigator is a digital compass (unlike the previous street navigators where direction was calculated from your positioning therefore you would have to move to be able to get a bearing). It also has a barometer to give a better height accuracy and is not reliant on satellite positioning to give height (which could be out at times). The device includes Traffic reporting capability – which is very useful in congested cities. This feature has drastically improved over the years. The device is also compatible with the Garmin BC 35 Backup camera but I believe this is a “nice to have” – not a necessity. I believe that this device has a very uncomplicated and understandable menu logic, which makes it extremely easy to use. Never seen before, the Overlander has 65 408 track log points. The 276Cx is limited to 20 000. One point that did disappoint was that the device could not take an external antenna but that is not necessary for most people. Currently there is nothing in this device’s price range that can match its capabilities and features for which it is designed, especially when considering the included mapping. The Overlander is not the Alpha and Omega of off-road navigation but does come close to it. As I have written many times before, when travelling in remote areas please make sure that you have a backup navigation system as things can go wrong. A second navigation device (in another vehicle) or even a paper map will assist if things go wrong and you become lost for some reason. As the rules for navigation say : Know where you are, Know where you are going, Know where you have come from, Keep orientated, And always have an alternative route. A point that should be remembered when purchasing this device is be sure that the sales person upgrades the device’s firmware as well as updates the maps to enable you to get your free map update before leaving the store. If buying from NavWorld it comes with well-known unmatchable backup support. Additional Comment : Recently Galileo (the European Satellite Navigation System equivalent to GPS and Glonass systems) did crash due to problems experienced at a Base Station in Italy, but in Galileo’s defence it is still under development and has not been declared operational yet. By Kevin and Christopher Bolton Edited by Jacqui Ikin

The first heart rate monitor was invented in 1977  by Seppo Säynäjäkangas, and the world was in awe. But Seppo's invention only measured heart rate and nothing more. Fast-forward to 2015, and Garmin's HRM-Run strap, together with a running or multisport watch, records your heart rate, plus 6 other variables. Not long ago you would have been wired up like a lab rat to get all these data measurements. Now all you do is press the stop button on your Garmin watch and the data is instantly available. The HRM-Run strap measures cadence, stride length, vertical ratio, vertical oscillation, ground contact time balance and ground contact time. Each one tells a story about your running style and can help you become a better runner. When you finished reading this article, you will know what these measurements mean, how to interpret them and the value they can add to your running. Cadence Running cadence is measured in terms of how many times your feet hit the ground per minute (bpm). One question that gets asked a lot is what the perfect cadence is. Of course a "perfect cadence" does not exist. A benchmark of 180 bpm does exist, but cadence is determined by variables such as height, weight and your unique biomechanics. Your level of fitness also plays a part. If you strive to maintain a cadence that is unsuited or too demanding on your level of fitness, it can lead to fatigue or more seriously, an injury. Bolt, Gatlin and the pint-sized Shelly-Ann Fraser Price, all 100m sprinters, have respective cadences of 221, 231 and 286. Of course, they are extreme athletes and we should not compare ourselves with them, but it reflects height as a variable. How can we, as everyday runners, use cadence measurement for the good? We all have a cadence that feels comfortable, but when fatigue and loss of form sets in, it becomes easier to sustain injuries. Reverting to a slow cadence, or a "plod" when fatigue sets in is not the answer. In terms of averages, research has shown that good runners stay between 180 and 200. That means your body will stay on top of your hips and you will not over-stride, meaning you will not force your body to play catch-up all the time. Weekend warriors fluctuate between 160-180, but anything lower than that is not ideal. Over-striding and straining other muscles to pull your body over your hips is bad running form and lead to injury. Keeping your cadence the same, whether you are fresh or fatigued, is vital to sensible running. Rather shorten your stride length to keep your cadence up. The familiar "Comrades shuffle" that ultra-distance runners use, is an example of maintaining a good cadence. Stride length Stride length is the second most important factor that your HRM-RUN heart rate strap will measure. After all is said and done, speed = cadence frequency X stride length. The length of your stride is determined by your height and your body's unique biomechanics. That is why it is not easy to answer that frequently asked question: "What is optimal stride length?" Stride length is less of a fixed variable than what cadence is. Tall runners generally have longer stride lengths than shorter runners, but cadence frequency ultimately determines speed. If your foot is under your hips when it touches the ground, you have a healthy stride length. Running disciplines also determine stride length. Sprinters have the longest stride, becoming shorter as distance increases. Terrain also determines stride length. Stride length in trail running is shorter in general due to all the climbing and stepping to negotiate technical tracks. If you want to get an idea of your average stride length, make sure you are well rested and run a 10Km road run in zone 3 with your Garmin run heart rate strap. That should give you a fair idea of your optimal stride length. Vertical Ratio Next up is the vertical ratio, and it is measured as a percentage. If your vertical ratio percentage is 8.2%, it means that of all your movements, 8.2% is "straight up" as opposed to forward. Of course running requires you to lift off the ground, but if your bounce, or vertical ratio, is excessively high, you use your energy to go in the wrong direction. In simple terms it means that you should not run like a gazelle. Another fixed variable is that vertical ratio drops as speed increases, a longer stride length offsets the vertical ratio to a lower percentage. To answer the "What is a good average" question: your vertical ratio should be under 10% if you want to run with optimal efficiency. Vertical Oscillation Vertical oscillation is literally the height of you bounce when you run and it is measured in centimetres. Ideally, you would want to lower your bounce and add those few centimetres to your forward movement. But once again, of all the variables that determine that, your natural running style plays the biggest part. In essence, the shorter the stride, the lower the bounce, but even that can come under scrutiny. High jumpers run up to the bar with relative short strides, but enormous bounce. What is a good average for an average runner? Lower than 12 centimetres will save you from looking like a gazelle in most cases. Ground Contact Time Ground contact time (GCT) is how long your feet stay connected to the ground when you run. The better and faster you run, the shorter your GCT is. If you want to look at it from another perspective, GCT is that split second when you actually do not move, when your leg contracts like a spring to push you into your next stride. Good runners dip below 200 milliseconds, average runners between 220 and 300. More than 300 means your running style, fitness level, weight and other factors are making running a very laborious exercise for you and guidance might be necessary. In terms of running style, over-striding causes long CGT's. Weight and unfitness should be addressed on their own terms, otherwise injury is sure to follow. Ground Contact Time Balance  Ground contact time balance is the last parameter and it is of great value. It is reflected as a percentage. Since our bodies are not symmetrical, one side works slightly differently from the other. For example, the left and right leg would be reflected as 51,1% and 48,9%. Take note, this does not mean the left leg does 51,1% of the work. It actually indicates that the left leg is less efficient. Good runners have shorter CGT's. In this case it means that the right leg is more efficient and pushes off the ground faster. That is why its CGT is shorter. Your weak leg stays longer in contact with the ground. Your objective then should be to improve the strength of the leg with the highest GCT percentage. This, in short, is what the HRM-Run strap tells you. If you want to scrutinise your running data to become a better athlete, get yourself an HRM-Run strap and use the technology to your advantage. The better you run, the more you will enjoy it. Go for it! – (c) 2017 NavWorld

Launched in the US earlier this year, this impressive handheld navigator – boasting smartphone-like functionality – looks set to become the go-to device for discerning outdoor lovers worldwide. Happily, the Oregon 750 is now available on our shores, so fellow South African adventurers can finally get in on the action. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect from this highly-capable, multifaceted device.   To say the new Garmin Oregon 750 GPS has a lot going for it would be an understatement. On the outside, it looks identical to the popular Oregon 650, the model it supersedes in the nav giant's handheld line-up. But, as we all know, appearances can be deceiving. Hidden within its familiar robust, weatherproof housing you'll find a host of practical upgrades. Without a doubt, this device has been crafted with the modern adventurer in mind. Peeking under the hood, the first thing you'll notice is the redesigned menu interface that, not only supports numerous activity profiles (hike, tour cycle, mountain bike, hunt, fish, climb and geocache), but is incredibly easy to use. Smartphone-like functionality lets you conveniently swipe between map and data screens, instead of having to physically rummage through menus and select each page individually. And its new auto-locking map page function prevents one from accidentally creating strange waypoints when inadvertently bumping the screen – something that bugged more than one Oregon 650 user. Garmin, thanks for listening! Plotting new routes has also been made much simpler. Now all you need do is press the “start” and “stop” buttons on the glove-friendly touchscreen, then decide whether to save or delete each track or not. Previously, this involved having to dig around in the unit to reset all your trip and track data. There's also an improved antenna to boost GPS/GLONASS satellite reception in tricky areas even further, not that fix accuracy was ever an issue with the 650. Connected tool for the modern explorer All the above upgrades are welcome improvements. But it's the Oregon 750's ability to pair with compatible smartphones via Bluetooth that make it a truly modern handheld navigation device. First up is live weather tracking. This handy feature delivers up-to-date forecasts with animated weather radar overlays, letting you know exactly what Mother Nature has in store for you while out on the trail. Live geocaching allows users to wirelessly download cache descriptions, logs and hints, even when out in the field – unshackling them from their computers and reams of printed-out paper lists. And, once a geocache is logged as found, it gets automatically uploaded to the user’s Geocaching.com profile. Premium members can also sync their geocaching lists directly to their device. Excitingly, the Oregon 750 is also the company's first handheld GPS capable of utilising Garmin's Connect IQ platform – their online training portal where you can store, analyse and share all your fitness activities. Previously, this was only possible when using the company's sports and fitness wearables. And, like its sports and fitness cousins, being ANT+ wireless compatible, it can pair with heart rate, cadence, chirp, and temp sensors too. A brilliant move that must surely place this device amongst the top tier of extreme outdoor training tools. There's even a live tracking feature that, as long as you have network coverage, allows friends and family to follow your progress on a map in real time – so don't phone your wife telling her you're sick, then dodge work and go goof-off fishing. As you'd expect with a smart connected device, the Oregon 750 can also display incoming emails, texts and alerts – allowing you to stash your delicate phone safely at the bottom of your backpack, stay in the loop and get on with what you're doing. Premium features for a premium device The Oregon 750 comes with all the bells-and-whistles you'd expect from a high-end navigation device. There's the three ABCs – altimeter, barometer and compass. The altimeter provides elevation data to accurately monitor ascent and descent, while the barometer can be used to predict weather changes by showing short-term trends in air pressure. The tilt-compensated 3-axis electronic compass keeps your bearing, whether you’re moving or not. Featuring an 8-megapixel auto-focus camera, the Oregon 750 does more than just let you cut down on weight by leaving your camera at home. It also automatically geotags every photo you take, allowing you to use each shot as a visual waypoint to easily navigate back to the exact spot later.  You can also upload and share photos with friends via Garmin Adventures, part of the Garmin online outdoor community. Other handy features include TracBack that gets you back to your starting point the same way you came. You can share waypoint and track info with others (using compatible Garmin handheld devices) via convenient unit-to-unit transfers. It supports multiple mapping options, including Garmin BlueChart g2 HD (for water navigation), as well as Garmin City Navigator NT or Tracks4Africa mapping for turn-by-turn driving directions. It also comes with an IPX7 waterproof rating, world basemap, 4 GB onboard memory (expandable up to 32 GB) and rechargeable NiMH battery pack. – (c) 2016 NavWorld Garmin Oregon 750 features at a glance Activity profiles 7 profiles, including hike, tour cycle, mountain bike, hunt, fish, climb, geocache Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ANT+, high-speed USB Display Dual-orientation, 7.6 cm (diagonal) transflective colour TFT touchscreen Battery Rechargeable NiMH pack (included) or 2 AA batteries Camera 8-megapixel, auto-focus Sensors Altimeter, barometer, compass Waterproof rating IPX7 Dimensions 61mm x 114mm x 33mm Weight 210g Additional features Connect IQ Compatible, Active Weather, Live Geocaching

After much-animated discussion and debate here at the NavWorld headquarters, we narrowed down our five favourite MTB trails. These trails have been shredded more than once by the team here and we recommend you do too. South Africa is one big treasure trove of exciting trails, some discovered and others still waiting to see the light of day. And, with our sunny climate allowing for riding just about every day of the year, not to mention our country's spectacularly varied landscape – many of us quite rightly consider ourselves to be in MTB heaven. That said, not all bike trails are created equal. This got us all thinking about which trails rock the best. After bouncing the topic around the NavWorld office for a few days, here's a list of the 5 favourite MTB trails we either like to ride on a regular basis, or wish we could visit more often. Where do you ride, which MTB trails do you prefer, and what would you consider your ultimate biking holiday destination to be? Why not leave a comment at the bottom of this article and let us know. Braamfontein Spruit (Johannesburg)Location: Along the Jukskei RiverGPS Coordinates (Emmarentia): S 26.1570, E 28.0014 Jozi bikers in search of some dirt hit the Braamfontein Spruit, or ‘The Spruit’ as it's known to locals. This popular sliver of greenbelt snakes through the heart of suburban Johannesburg – running from Melville Koppies in the south to Paulshof in the north. As a consequence, it appeals to a wide range of riders. For the hardcore, it can be a 60 km endurance dash, with away and return legs of 30 kilometres each. However, it's also a great, manageable trail for rookie riders starting out too. Northern parts of the trail can be quite pretty (especially during the rainy season), passing many rock pools that attract prolific bird life. No wonder it's one of the most ridden MTB routes in the country. Although little more than a single-track footpath running alongside the Jukskei River, what makes it so popular is the ability for riders to access the trail from various points along the route – namely Albert's Farm, Emmarentia, Delta Park, the Study Centre in Louise Avenue (Parkmore), Sandton Field, Riverside and Bryanston Drive. Following the trail from start to finish can be a challenge for those unfamiliar with its convoluted route. So it's advisable to first ride with someone who knows how to link the complicated network of paths between the various parks. The trail is smooth, relatively flat with few technical sections. It can also get busy – trail runners, dog walkers, kids on bicycles and hikers use the Spruit as well, so riders should be careful and yield accordingly. How to get thereThis is one of Johannesburg's most prominent greenbelts, starting on Melville Koppies in the south and ending in Paulshof in the north. The most popular stretch is between Emmarentia and Craighall, with the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens (Emmarentia) and Delta Park being popular starting and finishing points. Website: www.spruit.co.za Harkerville MTB Trails (Garden Route)Location: Between Knysna and Plettenberg BayGPS Coordinates: S 34.0467, E 23.2307 Mountain bikers visiting the Garden Route are spoilt for choice. Rivers and lagoons, lush forests and magnificent mountains, waterfalls and its awesome coastline – this veritable paradise has it all. If it wasn't for the hilly terrain you could almost call it relaxing. Before you know it, your mind starts unwinding as you ride under majestic yellowwoods and through colourful landscapes jam-packed with indigenous fynbos and birdlife. And, if you're lucky, you could even spot one of the antelope species that shyly roam the forests throughout the day. The Harkerville Trail, situated in the lush Harkerville Forest is no exception – it's natural beauty will take your breath away. Four distinct colour-coded routes have been laid out through indigenous forest, plantation and coastal fynbos – ranging from easy, to fast-flowing single-track that gets quite technical. Harkerville route optionsYellow: 13 km. Gravel forest service roads and the easiest of the routes for newbies.Blue: 11 km. The route heads along Beukespad, a forest path, and through thick forest. The returnpasses huge coastal redwood trees. The sections of single-track through the forest can gettricky for beginners.Green: 14 km. A moderately difficult trail along the Grooteiland path and Waterpad (includesa swimming hole) with an optional loop along the Harkerville coastline path. The returnalong the Perdekoppad is all single track.Red: 24 km. Undoubtedly the toughest, most exhilarating, and longest of the routes – butdefinitely one of the most scenic trails in the country that traverses deep forest, fynbos anddizzying coastal road. ...this veritable paradise has it all. If it wasn't for the hilly terrain you could almost call it relaxing. How to get thereHarkerville is on the N2 highway, 20km past Knysna en route to Plettenberg Bay. All routes may be started on the N2 opposite the Garden of Eden DWAF kiosk (where you pick up your permit), or from the Harkerville Forestry Office at the Kranshoek Road Gate. Website: www.knysnacycles.co.za Garden Route Trail Park (Garden Route)Location: Between George and KnysnaGPS Coordinates: S 33.9177, E 22.8623 The Garden Route Trail Park is home to some of those legendary secret Knysna single-tracks that are always spoken about, but very seldom seen. It's located at the very foot of the Outeniqua Mountains and the Karatara River Gorge, slap bang in the middle of the Garden Route. Three carefully designed routes have been laid out to provide riders of all levels with a healthy supply of adrenalin, excitement, scenery and amazing views. Combined, they cover over 25km of hand-built single-track in the infamous farmer tradition – with flowing turns, burns, rollers and river crossings. All trails are circular, starting and ending at the Trail Cafe, and are considered moderate to ride. Garden Route Trail Park optionsForest Frenzy: 10.1 km. Elevation: 217 metres. Includes technical detail but no climbs, lots ofsingle-track along (and across) the Karatara River through the forest.Crazy Creek: 13.6 km. Elevation: 262 metres. For more experienced riders, it includes someclimbs, jumps and rhythm sections. There's also plenty of single track through theforest and couple of river crossings.Jungle Fever: 16.4 km. Elevation: 349 metres. Featuring long, testing climbs matched by fasterdownhills, this one's definitely for fitter riders. If you're after views then this is thetrail.Full Loop: A combination of all three, and well worth the effort. There's also a pumptrack designed in a never-ending loop system for you to have a blast on. Itsouter loop, designed as a BMX track, is for those wanting to test their talent and get some air. Fortunately, it's just tame enough for mere mortals who want to ride it and get a feel. How to get thereDrive 20km from Knysna towards George on the N2, turning right at the Ruigtevlei/Karatara sign. Cross the railway line and drive for 18km, then follow the sign to Barrington. At the T-junction turn right and look out for the Garden Route Trail Park on your left. Website: www.gardenroutetrailpark.com Wolwespruit MTB and Trail Park (Pretoria)Location: ErasmuskloofGPS coordinates: S 25.8130, E 28.2634 Named after the spruit that runs through it, the Wolwespruit MTB and Trail Park is well worth a visit. Granted, its three handcrafted single-track trails are relatively short. That said, they still provide more than enough flowing, adrenaline-fuelled action to keep most riders satisfied. Fitter riders, looking for a better workout can simply repeat their routes again – the fun factor on offer here makes doing two laps a serious option. Importantly, the park is also fully fenced, providing a secure environment for users to enjoy the outdoors right in the heart of Pretoria East. The trails make full use of the park's topography, offering thrilling drops, jumps, river crossings and plenty of uphill – making it an ideal location to practice one's skills and get fit at the same time. At the moment the park has 22 km of single-track, involving about 300m of climbing, and 8 km of running trails. However, plans are afoot to expand the trails into a broader network of circle routes and loops in the near future (they have 90 ha of land to play with) – the idea being to provide more berms, obstacles and generally boost the exhilaration factor for all experience levels. So, with some pretty exiting upgrades in the pipeline, this is definitely a spot to keep your eye on. Wolwespruit MTB routesGreen: 7.9 km. Easy, great for beginnersBlue: 6.5 km. IntermediateBlack: 1.5 km. Advanced Wolwespruit MTB Park also boasts three attractions that have nothing to do with their trails; one of the largest pumptracks around, a skills clinic area and a jump line for those who need a double dose of adrenaline – all designed with the sole aim of increasing rider skill levels and confidence, not to mention providing hours of fun. Trailwolf Cycles, based in the park, offers a variety of bike products and services, from workshop, to MTB skills clinics and coffee – making it a one stop coffee, service and gear shop. How to get thereFrom Pretoria take the Rigel Road off-ramp from the M1. Turn east onto Delmas Road, take the first left into Nossob Street, then take the first left again into Jochemus Street. The park entrance is at the end of the cul de sac. Website: www.wolwespruit.co.za Elgin MTB Trail (Elgin Valley)Location: GrabouwGPS Coordinates: S 34.1687, E19.0855 With an amazing array of colours, wide open spaces and varying types of terrain, the greater Grabouw area offers a true piece of mountain biking magic. In fact, both amateur and professional riders come here regularly to train for the annual ABSA Cape Epic. This iconic Western Cape event includes more than 600 kilometres of track – a large chunk of which winds through the Elgin Valley. Elgin MTB is a collaboration between neighbouring farms Paul Cluver and Oak Valley, who have combined the trails on each of their wine estates, creating one unique and quite spectacular riding experience. Oak Valley trail optionsThe Oak Valley trails consist largely of well-maintained single-track, with bridges over farm fences and streams, making for a highly enjoyable ride. The three trails take riders through beautiful natural scenery, including forests of ancient oak trees, through vineyards, through apple and pear orchards and across rolling fields of grass pastures, set against the stunning backdrop of the protected fynbos on the slopes of the Groenlandberg Mountain.Blue: 14km. Farm roads and easy single tracksRed: 24km. Farm roads and some technical single trackBlack: 32km. Technical single tracks requiring high level of expertise Paul Cluver trail optionsThe Paul Cluver trails start in the amphitheatre, treating riders to Raka and The Swing – one a bridge built on a massive tree trunk, the other a suspension bridge. The fun continues with lots of berms, flowing singletrack with some technical riding. Look out for the Mamba, a rollercoaster ride through the river valley with 6 bridges. There are also some lung busting climbs that reward one with magnificent vistas over the Elgin valley. The Pofadder is a bermed bridge built from wine barrel slats at the foot of a waterfall, followed by more great riding and loads of singletrack.Blue Short: 8km. Elevation gain 220mBlue Long: 11km. Elevation gain 275mRed: 34km. Elevation gain 740mBlack: 43km. Elevation gain 1000m How to get thereFrom Cape Town take the N2, continuing past Somerset West and over Sir Lowry's Pass. After passing Grabouw keep an eye out for the Peregrine Farm Stall on your right and follow the sign boards. Website: www.elginmtb.co.za – (c) 2016 NavWorld

Meet the Forerunner 35, Garmin's latest affordable GPS running watch that comes packed with new features to assist beginner and moderately experienced runners stay on-track and up their game. Activity trackers – although lightweights when it comes to capturing complex exercise metrics – do a great job counting steps, monitoring general fitness levels and encouraging healthy habits as you go about your day. But if your daily walks are turning into regular runs, then you're definitely going to have to upgrade your current fitness monitoring hardware. How else do you expect to keep pace with the healthier, fitter you and up your game? Enter the new Garmin Forerunner 35. This affordable GPS-enabled running watch has a lot to offer, especially for beginner or less-competitive runners who don't require all the complex performance metrics (for example stride length, vertical ratio and vertical oscillation) found on more expensive, top-of-the-line devices. It can hear your heart beat Without a doubt, the Forerunner 35's most compelling feature is the inclusion of Garmin's new proprietary optical heart rate (HR) sensor – allowing you to keep tabs on your ticker 24/7 without having to wear an uncomfortable chest strap. It also comes with four preloaded sports profiles – outdoor running, indoor running, cycling and cardio – so you can add more complexity to your exercise regime than just jogging around the neighbourhood. Its built-in GPS accurately tracks how fast, how far and where you go. Plus you can even check out your data on the watch immediately after a training session, without first having to access the Garmin Connect app via your smartphone or computer. To help keep you safer while pounding the streets, its live tracking function lets friends and family monitor your route and progress on a map in real time. It also features basic smartwatch-like functionality, allowing you to receive notifications, text messages and control your music playlists –  all while keeping your expensive smartphone stashed safely out of sight in a backpack or pocket. Apart from all that, the Forerunner 35 also comes with all the features you'd expect from a high-end activity tracker; the ability to count steps and calories burned, track intensity minutes and monitor your sleep patterns. It also tracks periods of inactivity, giving you vibration alerts when it’s time to move. And its 5 ATM (50 meters) waterproof rating means it can be safely worn in the pool or shower. Garmin Forerunner 35 features in a nutshell Monitors heart rate all day and night, using Garmin's Elevate wrist heart rate technology Built-in GPS tracks how fast, how far and where you run Connected features include smart notifications, automatic uploads to Garmin Connect, live tracking and music controls All-day activity tracking counts steps, calories, intensity minutes, monitors sleep and reminds you when to move Features training tools such as intervals, audio prompts and a dedicated run/walk activity Preloaded sports profiles for outdoor running, indoor running, cycling and cardio Automatically uploads your data to Garmin Connect, the company's free online fitness community where you can join challenges, receive insights and share your progress with others Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a life of up to 9 days in watch mode, and up to 13 hours in training mode Easy operator Operating the Forerunner 35 couldn't be any easier. There's no touchscreen, instead you get four buttons to navigate its interface and change settings. The optical heart rate sensor, situated on the back (to ensure it makes permanent contact with your skin), does its own thing and can be ignored. That said, the strap has to fit pretty snugly around the arm and be placed above the wrist joint for it to accurately measure your heart rate. All four buttons have multiple functions, here are a few examples of what they can do. Top right provides access to the various sports profiles; outdoor running (GPS), indoor running (accelerometer only), walking, cycling and cardio. The navigation button below takes you to additional info, including resting heart rate, notifications, step counts, calories burned, active minutes, last workout data and even the weather. It also doubles as the control for music playback – a first for Garmin watches. Bottom left, apart from helping you exit menus, also allows you to adjust settings and set up alarms. Finally, the top left button is dedicated to the backlight, which can be set to turn on for chosen tracking modes. You also get three different screens to switch between. One shows the time (analogue or digital) and battery level, while the other two display all the important stuff. These two data screens, each one split into three segments, can be customised to display any of the following metrics: time, distance, pace, calories, heart rate, HR zone, lap time, lap distance, lap pace, average pace and cadence. Upping your game Other cool features to help boost performance include the ability to customise run modes by including Virtual Pacer or interval training into your sessions. (Virtual Pacer compares your current pace to your target, while interval training allows you to set up exercise and rest periods.) Auto Pause stops and resumes the timer based on your speed. The Time/Distance alarm lets you know when you've reached your pre-set goals. And those wanting more accurate data than can be derived from a wrist-mounted device, can connect it to ANT+ heart rate straps and footpods. Although you can checkout your latest workout directly on your Forerunner 35, you have so much more access to in-depth metrics when using your phone or computer. Once exercise and activity data has been uploaded to the Garmin Connect app via Bluetooth or USB, you can delve into your training and lifestyle histories in any number of ways to identify interesting trends. It will display your route on a map, temperature and lap splits, along with a variety of graphs to break down your activities in fascinating detail. You can also get expert advice from professionals, create a virtual training group and share encouragement and feedback with friends. – (c) 2016 NavWorld So now, you can Run your heart out: Garmin's new Forerunner 35

Unless you're Chuck Norris, getting stuck on a narrow mountain ledge in dense fog would most probably ruin your day. Fortunately for us, dedicated outdoor GPS navigation devices help prevent the worst from happening. Here's what you need to know about these high-tech lifesavers to help you decide which Garmin handheld GPS to take on your next trail. I bet you use your smartphone to navigate around town all the time. Most of us do. In fact, I reckon we've become so blasé about using GPS phone apps, that many of us now assume our handsets are the only personal navigators we'll ever need. If you stick to the civilizing influence of network coverage your entire life, this is probably true. However, for nature lovers intent on hitting trails far from the reassuring veil of high-tech connectivity, it's a completely different story. A lack of cell phone signal is not the only problem facing intrepid wanderers wanting to stay safe. Nature can be tough, especially on electronics. And most smartphones are just that; a bundle of temperamental electronic components packed inside a delicate housing. One bad drop onto rocks, or a severe dunking in a mountain stream, and they're history. Smartphones also suck juice faster than gas-guzzling V8s when using navigation apps – requiring them to be plugged into your vehicle's auxiliary power system, especially if you spend much time on the road. So how long do you think your phone's battery will last unplugged with its GPS fired up all day? My educated guess: Not long enough. Right GPS for the job That said, if getting lost in the wilderness, or injuring yourself tumbling down a ravine in bad weather don't factor in your plans – then a dedicated outdoor GPS navigation device is the obvious answer. Most of them come fully waterproof. Their robust designs can withstand the inevitable bashes and drops that occur in the wild. Featuring efficient processors, they remain powered up significantly longer than any fancy pocket computer. And, as the majority use AA batteries, carrying spares is a non-issue. Most importantly, dedicated GPS navigators never lose signal – allowing you to always pinpoint your exact location, retrace your route if necessary, and see how far you still have to go before reaching your destination. Even better, high-end units often incorporate barometric altimeters, helping you to track real-time weather changes, too. The Garmin Montana 680 has a touch screen that is glove friendly and comes with a built-in digital camera. Features to consider before purchasing a handheld GPS Touchy operators or button pushers Whether you go for a touchscreen or button-operated device depends on what you want to use it for. Touchscreens work faster, mainly because you don't have the hassle of scrolling through menu options. They are also more convenient to plug waypoints into and have larger displays. However, their larger screens make them more power hungry than button-operated devices. Button-operated devices may seem old-school, but they have their place – especially in cold, wet environments where wearing heavy gloves isn't a fashion statement. Their batteries also last longer. On the downside, inserting waypoints via the button interface can be a pain. But if you're looking for a rock-solid device that can take any adventure on its chin, then buttons are your safest bet. Electronic or differential compass The main difference between electronic and differential compasses is their level of sophistication.For mountain climbers and others who spend a lot of time on the edge, the more sophisticated (read expensive) electronic compass is a must-have tool. That's because it shows direction even when you're standing still – an important feature in tight, zero-vis situations where you need to figure out your heading and not plummet into thin air. Differential compasses, using simpler technology, rely on satellite tracking to establish direction. As a consequence, they require you take a few steps before showing a true heading. Fortunately, this isn't a big deal for the average weekend adventurer. Barometric altimeter A barometric altimeter is one of those features that draws the line between high and low end devices, indicating where each unit stands in its product range. Handhelds low in the specs department tend to be better at calculating your position (latitude and longitude) than height above sea level (altitude). To get around this, higher-end units incorporate a barometric altimeter to provide more accurate atmospheric pressure readings. This, in turn allows for the real-time tracking of weather patterns – making it an important feature for extreme adventurers or those who prefer hiking long distance solo. Connect and share If you prefer to hike in groups and like sharing track information with others, you're going to need a higher-end unit boasting wireless sharing and Bluetooth connectivity options. These cool features let you quickly transfer track and waypoint files to other compatible devices, allowing your entire group to stay in the loop. You can also conveniently share your route with others preparing to head out on the same trail you've just finished before leaving the car park. Media matters When travelling light, combining as many features as you can into one compact package makes a lot of sense. Apart from the ability to see all your photos, videos and voice notes exactly where they were captured along your route, once back in the comfort of your home – these fun features have practical applications, too. For example, you can use captured media to mark waypoints instead of typing them in. And, after sharing your trail information with hiking buddies, they can use your photos etc. to ensure they stay on track when retracing your route. Which Garmin handheld works best for you? I like my Garmin GPSMAP 64, but that's me. Touchscreens on anything other than smartphones or tablets drive me nuts, so the fact that it doesn't have one is a big plus. I also appreciate its rugged (albeit relatively bulky) waterproof design, ability to accept various maps, accurate quad helix antenna and fast satellite (GPS and GLONASS) acquisition. That my trusty handheld can't perform wireless data transfers (I have to connect to my PC via USB) or receive smart notifications doesn't bother me in the least. Admittedly, its colour 6.6 cm display is a bit small for my liking, but it has never let me down – whether I've been boating offshore or rambling through the countryside. And, although features such as 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass and barometric altimeter (found on the fancier GPSMAP 64s) would be nice, I can live without them. In short, it syncs with my simple needs and outdoor interests perfectly. It's also what I could sensibly afford at the time. Which handheld navigator works best for you will undoubtedly be completely different. For example: If I was a mountain biker, neither the GPSMAP 64 or 64s would leap out as viable options. For a start, I consider them way too bulky. Their screens would be too small for me to read properly once mounted on handlebars. And, the way I see it, any attempt at using their push-button interfaces while bouncing down a dirt track would be a scream, literally. Steering? Good luck with that. Instead, I would opt for Garmin's eTrek Touch 35. Offering basically the same functionality as the 64s, along with its IPX7 waterproof rating. The Touch 35 weighs 101 grams less, and comes in a more compact, bike-friendly form factor. Its larger 11.7 cm touchscreen would make seeing where you're going, not to mention navigating menus on the fly much easier. Oh, and it comes standard with a bike mount, too. It's a no-brainer, really. Cost vs. functionality There's nothing wrong in splashing out on an expensive, high-end navigation device, just because you can. But if all you aspire to are day hikes – where getting back to your vehicle before sundown is your main priority – you could be wasting hard-earned cash. If that's the case, you'd be better off going for a less sophisticated unit and spending the money saved on a decent pair of hiking boots. My advice: Realistically assess your outdoor lifestyle and interests, factor in a few personality quirks (hey, we all have them) and check out your budget – only then will you be in a position to decide which handheld navigation device works best for you. – (c) 2016 NavWorld

The Cullinan2Tonteldoos MTB Ultra Single Stage event, takes riders and their support crews over 260km of unmarked district roads from Cullinan in Gauteng to Tonteldoos, a small settlement in the Mpumalanga Highlands. For more information on the event, check out their website. Navigating this route will be of vital importance so here is a guide on how to load the routes to your Garmin Edge bicycle computer. You can download the route file here: Garmin Edge GPX Route for C2T2017 and the supporter route file here. How to load your route STEP 1: Connect your Garmin Edge device to your computer select the device in My Computer (Win) or Devices in Finder (Mac)   Step 2: In the root folder of your device, open the Garmin folder and then open the NewFiles folder from the list. Step 3: Copy and past the two files [C2T Section 1] and [C2T Section 2] in the NewFiles folder. Step 4: Disconnect your device and the files will automatically be loaded in your courses folder on your device. Step 5 Enjoy the race!  

It has now been almost two years since I last wrote a Satellite Navigation article, so I thought it appropriate to start with a review of what I consider to be currently the ultimate 4x4 off-road GPS. This device has been created for the outdoors: it is rugged enough to take the knocks, yet is also user-friendly enough for street navigation. A few years back, I wrote an article describing what I would consider the ultimate off-road GPS. The Garmin Montana was launched shortly thereafter, which met 85% of my criteria, desired features and functionality. Garmin launched the 276Cx about a year ago, but I have only now been able to lay my hands on one. I can, in all honesty, say that it is most definitely an upgrade on the 276C. The stylish Cx looks and feels different, but its keypad is the same, and its user-friendliness and menu logic are very similar. It is rather like the older Garmin Montana (a 2011 model) but it is not  touch screen. In fact, I prefer the button- driven functions to the touch screen. I find it important that it has a large (five-inch) screen with 800 x 480 pixel resolution, as that makes it a winner with me, and adds a tick to my 4x4/off-road checklist. Other features that contributed to my opinion (that it is an improvement and an upgrade), are: Garmin have doubled the Track Log from 10 000 to 20 000 Track Log points (breadcrumbs). The device now takes a standard Micro SD card – a big improvement on the old Garmin propriety card that was horribly overpriced. The internal memory has been increased to 8Gb (expandable with a micro-SA card). The dual-battery system can use 3 AA batteries (up to 8h of battery life) or the supplied 5000 mAh Lithium battery (16h of battery life). It also runs off the vehicle battery. The device receives both GPS and Glonass, the Russian equivalent of the GPS signal. Note that this feature needs to be enabled. This unit can take an MCX external antenna, which improves its operational ability in vehicles which have difficulty receiving satellite navigation signal through the front windscreen... which is more common than you would think. The negatives? An initial disappointment was the price (listed on the Garmin website, www.garmin.co.za, at R12 499, but available from Navworld at under R10 000), but then I considered that it is similar in price to any of the previous devices in its class when they were launched. My first Garmin StreetPilot, circa 2003, cost me R18 000... The small suction mount (same as the Montana bracket) has been retained. I believe it could have been made larger to carry the extra weight of this device. A larger suction mount is available, at a nominal extra cost of R200. Because of its size and weight, this is not a device that I would mount on my motorcycle or bike, and nor is it the ideal hiking device; but, as a 4x4 navigation tool, it has no current equal. FEATURES GPS + GLONASS. Altimeter. 3D Compass. 5-inch WVGA display. Connected through Bluetooth®, ANT+® and WiFi®. TTS guidance. Preloaded with TopoActive Africa maps. 1 year’s free BirdsEye Satellite subscription. High levels of customisability. Water-immersion-rated to IP67 standard. Pairs to smartphone, to receive Active Weather Updates, enable Live Tracking, access Weather Radar data, update Live Geocaching information and receive phone notifications. Can store 250 routes, 250 tracks and 10 000 waypoints. Dimensions: 191.5 x 94.5 x 44mm Weight: 450g (including rechargeable battery pack) If you have any further questions, contact Christopher Bolton at 011 791 0204/5. By Kevin Bolton

Who needs a GPS? Is it the end of the road for GPS navigator devices, or do they still have a place in the overlander’s kit list? Long-time contributor and GPS expert Kevin Bolton gives his opinion… A lot has changed in the GPS world in South Africa since I last wrote an article on the subject back in 2016 (with the exception of my January 2019 review of the Garmin GPS Map 276Cx, which I consider to be my ideal 4x4, general navigation and outdoor lifestyle device). While back in SA from my work detail in Turkey, I decided to touch sides with a few people in the GPS navigation field. On my visits to a few retail outlets, there was a very obvious lack of street navigators (PNDs) on the shelves. Next, I noticed one could not find a TomTom street navigator anywhere. The Garmin street navigators were available but demand has clearly lapsed. The reasons for this are two-fold. First, general street navigation in and around town is easily and accurately done on most cell phones (which are sold with numerous standard navigation apps). Second, a lot of new cars, including the less premium ones, are sold with built-in navigation systems. Many in the industry believe that PND’s (Street Navigators) will not be around for much longer (two years at best), mainly because mobile phone navigation apps and in-car systems will get you around the town perfectly. In my opinion, however, these are not true navigation systems and they are definitely not ideal for the outdoor lifestyle. The track log (or electronic breadcrumb) given on the Garmin street navigators is where the true value of these devices lie, showing the route you have just travelled. There is a story in a recent YOU magazine recounting how a couple visiting Italy drove round and round in circles without realising it. The breadcrumb feature on a proper GPS device would have showed them something was wrong. But back to Tom Tom PNDs and sports watches. Unable to find them on retail shelves, I discovered comments on the internet to the effect that the company no longer had a local head office or support centre. I contacted an overseas support centre who confirmed that Tom Tom no longer had an office in SA and had stopped PND and sports watch retail sales I also read that the Tom Tom Fleet management operation had been sold to Bridgestone. I was able to confirm that Tom Tom Africa (the TomTom mapping company) is still in South Africa and growing from strength to strength. I have always considered their mapping to be among the best available for southern Africa. On the Garmin front, the company management has changed in recent years with many people being promoted into senior positions in the broader company from the South African ranks. Garmin are still going strong in the Outdoor, Fitness, Marine and Aviation fields – these markets are growing and sales have increased. The PND market is also down for Garmin, but there will have been some local boost resulting from the Tom Tom exit. It’s this time of the year again when Garmin launches new products, among them the Garmin Drive 52 and Garmin DriveSmart 55 and 65 series devices (the new name for a Nuvi/PND device). This announcement was made on the Garmin American website, so it is not clear which devices will be released in South Africa. There is also talk of new and/or upgraded outdoor products. Globally, the good news is that some of the new Garmin devices are not only receiving the American GPS signal and GLONASS (the Russian satellite navigation signal), but also the Galileo signal (the European satellite navigation signal). Having three satellite navigation systems will both improve the accuracy of the devices (to within 3-5 metres), and will give the signal more integrity and provide back-up if one system was to fail. To date I have not heard of the American signal failing but have heard of the Russian system failing on two occasions. Meanwhile, happy GPS adventures.